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Lack Of Snow Has Some Businesses Feeling The Pinch

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Overdue snow has left an empty feeling with some people, including business owners who depend on snow for their livelihood.

It's not just snow plowing businesses who see dollar signs when the white stuff falls. Ski equipment retailers can't wait for the winter's first powder, either.

"We're probably down about 15 percent from a year ago," said Bob Olson, owner of Viking Ski Shop in Logan Square.

His business is affected by snow's slow arrival this year, down 10 to 15 percent from last year, which wasn't a stellar year for his business either.

"There's definitely times that we have snow on the ground, and it really, really, really helps our business. There's no doubt about it," Olson said. "People who cross-country, they just don't buy (equipment) until it snows."

Olson said he is hopeful things will look up in the first three months of next year.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller reports

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